Kamal Ghorui
The United States has cleared arms sales worth over $8.6 billion to key Middle East allies, namely Israel, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The approvals were issued by the US State Department amid heightened regional tensions linked to the prolonged Iran conflict.The announcements by the State Department included approval of military sales to Qatar, including Patriot air and missile defence replenishment services worth $4.01 billion and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS), a laser-guided weapons system package, valued at $992.4 million. “The U.S. Department of State has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Qatar for its purchase of PATRIOT Air and Missile Defense replenishment services and related equipment. The estimated total cost is $4.01 billion,” said the Us govt department in a public statement.Officials said the timing of the package comes as the US-Israel military campaign involving Iran continues to shape security dynamics in the region, even as a fragile ceasefire remains in place. Additionally Trump said the US-Iran hostilities have “terminated” following a ceasefire, but a senior Iranian military official later warned that renewed fighting with the US remains likely amid stalled negotiations.Also read: US threatens sanctions if shipping firms pay Iran fees for Strait of Hormuz passage Meanwhile, at a political event in Florida, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised domestic opponents over their assessment of the conflict. He argued that suggestions of underperformance by the US military were politically motivated and undermined national interests, describing such claims as damaging during an ongoing war situation.Also read: Iran faces growing crisis as US blockade squeezes Hormuz, losses hit $4.8bn Trump also defended the US military campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, saying it was necessary to prevent long-term regional threats. He claimed the strikes had significantly weakened Iran’s defence capabilities and insisted that Washington would not rush toward a settlement before its objectives were met. Reiterating his position on negotiations with Tehran, Trump said diplomatic engagement would continue but emphasised that any agreement must meet US conditions. He added that the US would avoid premature disengagement that could risk renewed instability in the region.
